Around the World

We believe that where a woman lives shouldn’t determine if she lives. So we’re fighting breast cancer in countries across the globe to reduce breast cancer mortality worldwide. We began exploring outreach outside of the U.S. in 1999, when we recognized the growing global impact of breast cancer, the shared challenges among countries worldwide and the value of coordinated advocacy in the battle against this disease.

Today, we work on many levels to give those affected by breast cancer a strong sense of hope, courage and community. We’re empowering women and men around the world to take charge of their health. And our global programs aim to reduce breast cancer deaths by encouraging screening, increasing early detection and ensuring access to quality care and treatment.

Breast Cancer Is On The Rise.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and the number of cases is increasing in nearly every region and in every country. The number of new breast cancer cases has more than doubled around the world in the last three decades, with the highest increases throughout North Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Western sub-Saharan Africa and Central Latin America. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in low-resource countries around the world, with over 500,000 deaths in 2012. These trends are concerning, which is why Komen works tirelessly to provide support to breast health programs worldwide.

How we're helping

Through our global programs, we’ve provided more than $70 million to more than 200 organizations to support scientific research, community health programs and educational efforts in more than 60 countries.

Where We Work

At Komen, we believe it takes collaboration and strong partnerships to make a global impact. We strive to serve as a “bridge” – partnering with international nonprofits, corporations and Ministries of Health to bring together people and organizations who share our passion. Through these partnerships, we are able to develop programs that are sensitive to cultural differences and tailored to the specific needs of the community. Learn more about Komen’s Global Programs and Partnerships in a specific geographical area by following the links below.

2 Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, The Challenge Ahead: Progress and Setbacks in Breast and Cervical Cancer, September 2011. Also see: Breast and cervical cancer in 187 countries between 1980 and 2010: a systematic analysis.
www.thelancet.com September 15, 2011